Richard Long becomes an Honorary IPA member


We are delighted to announce Richard Long’s Honorary membership after 27 years of service to the IPA.

Richard, who relinquished his insolvency licence at the end of last year, began his career in auditing. In 1972, he joined Leonard Curtis & Co to train in insolvency. In 1979, Richard joined Thornton Baker (now Grant Thornton) and in 1986 he joined Allcombes, a small, specialist boutique firm, as a partner. Allcombes later merged with Robson Rhodes. In 1993, Richard was invited to join another small, specialist firm as managing partner, and in 1996 he set up Richard Long & Co.

Parallel to his career, Richard has served on several IPA Committees. He also led the organisation as President in 2003-04. Richard’s most recent IPA appointment was as Co-Chair of the Disciplinary and Appeals Committee, a position he is stepping down from this year.

“We thank Richard very much indeed for his immense service and dedication to both the IPA and the profession. We are delighted to welcome him as an Honorary member.” – Kevin Hellard, IPA President

Commenting on his new membership, Richard said:

“It is a very great honour to be given Honorary membership of the IPA. I first became involved in insolvency in the early 1970s, when there was no regulation, and anyone could be a liquidator and many would be more than willing to help rogue directors. I remember attending a creditors’ meeting and asking “Are you the Mr X that has been extradited back from Fort Lauderdale and currently on bail having been charged with various fraud offences?”. That question was not asked of the director but the liquidator!”

“It was in 1994 when I was first appointed on to an IPA Committee, and that was the then-Membership and Authorisation committee. Over the last 27 years, I have also served on and chaired the Investigation Committee, the Disciplinary Committee and the Constitution Committee, all now known by different names, as well as serving on the Board and having the honour of being the IPA’s President in 2003.”

“As insolvency practitioners, we enjoy a lifestyle much better than many people, and I believe that it is very important that we put something back, not only into the profession but society as well. I would urge IPA members to seriously consider putting their name forward to be considered to serve on one of the many Committees.”